Philadelphia Eagles vs. Denver Broncos 2025 Preview: Keys to the Game

The Philadelphia Eagles are one of the two remaining unbeaten teams remaining in the NFL along with the Buffalo Bills. Last week, the Eagles put on a dominant showing against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first half. Dallas Goedert scored twice to help put the Eagles up 18 points heading into the second half. That is where the Buccaneers started to heat up, much like the Eagles did in Week 3 against the Los Angeles Rams. However, the Buccaneers could not complete the comeback like the Eagles did, losing by eight points.

Now the Eagles head back home, where they will take on the Denver Broncos, who are coming off a short week. Denver’s win over the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday night was a much-needed victory, putting them at 2-2. However, the Bengals are clearly a shadow of their former selves without Joe Burrow, and the Broncos have looked unimpressive thus far. Their only wins have come against a Tennessee Titans squad that is severely dysfunctional and the Bengals with Jake Browning. Now they will come into Lincoln Financial Field, hoping something carries over from that Bengals game. Below are the keys to the game, so that the Eagles do not suffer an upset at home.

Philadelphia Eagles vs. Denver Broncos 2025 Preview

Stopping the Run

Denver currently has the fifth-most rushing yards per game in the league. J.K. Dobbins looks like his old self, becoming the first Broncos running back to register 100 yards on the ground since 2022, when Latavius Murray did so. Meanwhile, RJ Harvey looks like an excellent change-of-pace running back. The Eagles’ run defense used to be one of their many strengths, but lately it has become a weakness. The team is currently 21st in rushing yards allowed and 30th in rush success allowed. So, what has happened to that once elite run defense?

That is a tricky question to answer; obviously, Brandon Graham’s and Josh Sweat’s departures had something to do with it. Za’Darius Smith has softened those losses as he looks to be a key free agent signing. Milton Williams was also a massive loss in helping stop the run. The team started slow last year, and while that may be the case again this year, it is clearly an issue that needs to be fixed. Dobbins and Harvey will be a test to see if the defense needs time, or if it is something the fans have to start worrying about.

The Passing Game

Obviously, we have to address A.J. Brown’s cryptic tweet. The speculation that he would be on any team other than the Philadelphia Eagles is entirely false. The dead cap hit in a trade would be too great to take on. Additionally, this rumor has been discussed for the past few seasons, and nothing has materialized from it. He gave an interview on Wednesday, saying Philadelphia is his home. And, for now, it’s worth believing.

However, the Eagles’ passing offense may soon be cause for concern, as they currently rank 31st, just ahead of the Titans. Obviously, they have not needed the passing game. After all, they are 4-0, but this could develop into a problem down the line. However, fans saw glimpses of the team’s struggles in the past two weeks. When it wasn’t working, things got ugly quickly. Thankfully, the lead was big enough against the Buccaneers, and the passing attack came to life against the Rams. However, the concerns are valid. And, they need to start working the ball to their star players.

Offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo has shown improvement, so patience needs to be had for now. Fans should keep a close eye on the situation as the weeks go on.

Final Thoughts

This game should be very winnable for the Philadelphia Eagles. They are better than the Denver Broncos at almost every spot on the field. Denver has the makings of a good football team. However, they have failed to get big wins through the first four weeks, while the Eagles have.

However, the Broncos’ rushing attack could provide problems for the Eagles. Bucky Irving had 165 total yards last week, including a long touchdown catch against Philly. The Eagles are only 3.5-point favorites at home, so the public and sportsbooks definitely see some concern for the Eagles. Yet, I disagree.

Denver’s defense has not lived up to its standards, while the offense has struggled to put points on the board, averaging 24 points per game, which ranks 16th in the league. The Eagles should win this showdown by at least a touchdown, but this could be a potential trap game after their last two impressive wins.